Stretch wrap dispenser

Abstract

A manual dispenser for stretch wrap material and having a dispenser body, a handle on the dispenser body and, a roll carrier extending from the dispenser body for receiving a roll of stretch wrap material and being rotatable so as to permit controlled unwinding of the stretch wrap material from the roll. The dispenser may be attached at one end of the core for single handed operation, or two dispensers may be used, one at each end of the roll for double handed operation. Core adapters are provided to accommodate rolls having cores of different sizes

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a stretch wrap thermoplastic strip sheet materials and in particular to a hand held dispenser for dispensing stretch wrap materials manually, for application of such stretch wrap material on articles such as packages and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Stretch wrap materials of thermoplastic sheet are widely used for wrapping articles and packaging goods. These stretch wrap materials are simple to use, inexpensive, and highly effective. They are commonly supplied in a long roll from which the material is dispensed by unwinding from the roll. As it is unwound the material is stretched and wrapped around the package or goods. Usually the tension is created either by pulling the package away from the roll, if the roll is in a fixed location, or by pulling the roll away from the goods, if the roll is portable. When applied under tension in this way these materials secure products against movement. They enclose packages in a tight cocoon of sheet material which makes the packages resistant to damage and make them easy to handle in volume or on a conveyor for example. The material however must be applied to the goods or packages by stretching the material as it is wrapped around the goods. This requires to application of force to create tension along the axis of the stretch wrap material. At its free end the stretch wrap material must be secured to the goods usually by passing one or two loose turns around the goods. Stretching can then commence. In this process the stretch wrap material on the roll as it is unwound, must be pulled or stretched against the goods to which it is being applied. This requires that the roll itself must be held against rotation, in such a way that a braking force is applied to the roll resisting, but not totally stopping, the unwinding of the stretch wrap material from the roll. This braking force must be controllable or adjustable so that the correct amount of tension to make the stretch wrap material stretch can be applied to the material during unwinding around the package or goods to which it is being applied.

[0003] A dispenser for holding the roll is required for this purpose.

[0004] Another consideration is that stretch wrap material is supplied in rolls of various widths. It is also wound on roll cores of two different diameters.

[0005] A dispenser should preferably be capable of accepting various different rolls of stretch wrap material including rolls of material of different widths, and rolls of different lengths, and rolls having cores of different diameters.

[0006] Various dispensers for rolled stretch wrap material have been proposed which hold a specific roll so that they achieve this braking force during dispensing. However the dispensers have usually been designed for a specific rolls, or specific uses or applications. In many cases these dispensers have been such that they were placed in a fixed location where packaging was being carried out.

[0007] In this case tension was often created by simply pulling the packages in a direction away from the roll. Provided the dispenser was applying a braking force to the roll this would create the tension required to produce stretching and effective wrapping

[0008] Other dispensers have been proposed which are of a more portable nature. The intent is to permit the use of the dispenser to dispense material from a roll of stretch wrap material wherever it is required. In this type of dispenser the tension was created by pulling the dispenser manually in a direction away from the package. This type of dispenser may be for use,for example, by shippers who pick up goods at various locations. Couriers are one example of this type of user. However these portable or manual dispenser have not been totally suitable for all purposes. They have been difficult to handle manually. The braking system has not always been controllable. It was not easy to adjust them so that they could be adapted to various different rolls of stretch wrap material. They are not always capable of accepting rolls of different widths of stretch wrap material.

[0009] These portable dispensers have also been relatively expensive so that they could not be put into wide use, for example by couriers or express shippers. The high cost of supplying such a dispenser on each vehicle, for each driver, for example, would require a considerable investment in equipment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] With a view to providing a manual dispenser for stretch wrap material having improved braking, and having a greater degree of adaptability to stretch wrap material rolls of various sizes, and widths, and to roll cores of varying diameter and having a dispenser body, a handle on said dispenser body, a roll carrier extending from said body for receiving a roll of stretch wrap material and being rotatable whereby to permit controlled unwinding of said stretch wrap material from said roll.

[0011] The invention further provides a manual dispenser for stretch wrap material having a roll spindle fastened to said body and said roll carrier being rotatably mounted on said spindle.

[0012] The invention further provides a manual dispenser for stretch wrap material in which there is an adjustable braking device for applying a retarding force to said roll carrier.

[0013] The invention further provides a manual dispenser for stretch wrap material wherein the braking device extends through said spindle and into said body. The invention further provides a manual dispenser for stretch wrap material wherein the adjustment device is located on a free end of said braking device located within said body.

[0014] The invention further provides a manual dispenser for stretch wrap material which can be attached to one end only of a roll, for single handed operation. The invention further provides a manual dispenser for stretch wrap material which may be applied to both ends of a roll for two handed dispensing.

[0015] The invention further provides a manual dispenser for stretch wrap material which is adaptable to receive roll cores of varying diameter.

[0016] The invention further provides a manual dispenser for stretch wrap material which has a roll support as described, for receiving a roll core of one diameter and which has a roll adapter which can be fitted on the roll support for receiving a roll core of a larger diameter

[0017] The invention also provides a dispenser system consisting of a roll of stretch wrap material having a core, with a dispenser at one end, on which the the core is fitted. The system may also consist of a roll of stretch wrap material with dispensers at each end for two handed operation.

[0018] The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with more particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

IN THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a sectional side elevation of a roll dispenser illustrating the invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is an end elevation of a roll dispenser of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a sectional side elevation of an adapter removed from the roll dispenser of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating use of the roll dispenser in one adaptation; and,

[0023] FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating use of the roll dispenser in a still further adaptation.

DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

[0024] As already explained, the invention provides a manual dispenser for stretch wrap material which is rolled on a core. Such stretch wrap material is deemed well known in the art and in fact resembles many other materials rolled ready for dispensing. Such rolls of stretch wrap material are illustrated generally in FIGS. 4,and 5, and require no further description. Such rolls may carry stretch wrap material in various widths. Stretch wrap material may also be rolled on cores of differing diameters. Also, as is well known, such stretch wrap material, in order to be effective, must be applied by stretching it as it is wound around some object. Such an object may often be goods, or packages which are to be shipped or stored. Stretch wrap material is often in use from dispensers at travel departures such as airline terminals. It is also widely available from for example, hardware stores, where it is sold in narrow rolls which are mounted on a simple handpiece. In these cases it is used for binding parcels, somewhat like string. The stretch wrap material has the property of holding parcels and packages more tightly than string, and in most cases does not require any tying, at its end. When cut off, or simply pulled till it breaks the material will grip onto itself and secure the package. Industrially it is used for wrapping pallet loads of goods. Stretch wrap material is also useful for couriers and shipping agents who pick up goods from many sources, in a day, and ship them to various destinations. In some cases the source has not packaged the goods in a sufficiently secure manner, or in other cases there are numerous packages to be picked up and shipped, requiring repeated handling of packages. In these cases the driver for the courier company, for example, will often wish to wrap the packages more securely, or bundle them together. Manual dispensers for stretch wrap material have been provided for this purpose, but with only limited success.

[0025] The invention is therefor to be understood as directed to a portable, adaptable dispenser for stretch wrap material, for this type of usage.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1, it will be seen that the invention is illustrated in the form of a dispenser (10) for stretch wrap material (not shown). The dispenser (10) has a main body (12) formed with an integral handpiece (14) defining a finger opening (16). In this way the handpiece may be gripped in one hand securely, with the fingers wrapping around and passing through the opening (16). Main body (12) is of hollow injection molded construction and defines a generally annular outer body wall (18). Main body (12) also defines an integral roll support face (20) having a cylindrical spindle sleeve (22) extending therefrom. Roll support face (20) is itself located in a cylindrical well (24) for containing the braking system described below.

[0027] A spacer annular wall (26) extends forwardly from support face (20), spaced radially outward from sleeve (22). A plurality of generally triangular gussets (28) extend from face (20) axially along the exterior of sleeve (22) for supporting sleeve (22). An axial bolt (30) extends along sleeve (22). A portion of bolt (30) is threaded and the threads end at the point (32). The remainder of bolt (30) is smooth and free of threads, for reasons described below. A bolt head is located on the unthreaded portion of bolt (30). A lock nut (34) is locked tight on the point (32) where the threads end.

[0028] It is necessary to hold the bolt against rotation, so as to permit it to act as a spindle, for reason described below. In order to provide a simple low cost solution to the problem of locking the bolt against rotation, the threads extend from the free end of the bolt, end at the point (32) as described. Beyond that point the bolt has a smooth cylindrical surface and terminates in integral bolt head described.

[0029] A form of lock nut known as a “Stover” nut (34) is wound along the threads to the point (32), and is then subjected to extra torque, locking the nut against the end of the threads.

[0030] Nut (34) in this embodiment has four sides of square configuration for convenience.

[0031] In order to receive the flat square sides of nut (34) a well wall (36) is formed in main body (12),and defines an interior square shaped recess. The wall (36) terminates at sleeve (22). The recess in wall (36) is shaped to accept the side formations of nut (34) but will not permit it to rotate. This then locks the nut (34) and also bolt (30) against rotation.

[0032] A rotatable main roll support (42) is rotatably mounted on the unthreaded part of bolt (30) extending through and beyond the end of sleeve (20). Roll support (42) has an inner cylindrical bolt receiving barrel (44), and end wall (46), formed integrally therewith and extending in a plane substantially normal to the central axis of barrel (44). Extending from end wall (46) is a generally cylindrical roll receiving drum (48), spaced outwardly from barrel (44). At the rearward end of drum (48) there is a bearing ring (50) for purposes to be described. Drum (48) is also formed with an elongated slot (52) extending forwardly from a point spaced from bearing ring (50) and terminating at a point just short of end wall (46), for purposes to be described.

[0033] Drum (48) in this embodiment is cylindrical, but it may be formed with a slight taper with a narrower portion at end wall (46) and a larger portion at ring (50). This may be desirable in some situations but is not required in this particular embodiment.

[0034] In order to provide a controllable friction on rotation of drum (48), a spring (40) is received on the free end of the threaded portion of bolt (30) and bears against a washer (54). A tension adjustment nut (56) is received on the threaded portion of bolt (30) and has a recess for receiving the spring (40). Adjustment nut (56) is oversize and has knurlings thereon for enabling an operator to adjust the tension in spring (40) manually.

[0035] A lock nut (60) retains adjustment nut (56). on bolt (30).

[0036] In order to provide a braking force on the rotation of roll support (42) a brake pad ring (62) is located between ring (50) of roll support (42) and support face (26) of main body (12). Wall (36) fits within brake pad ring (62) and locates it in position.

[0037] By rotating adjustment nut (56) to adjust the tension of spring (40), the operator can vary the braking friction applied to ring (50) of roll support (42).

[0038] In operation a roll R of stretch wrap material having a core of a first diameter can be slid on to drum (48). Preferably drum (48) is sized so as to ensure that the core makes a snug friction fit.

[0039] The system can adapt to rolls having cores of different diameters.

[0040] In order to receive a roll having a core of another diameter, greater than core, a roll adapter (70) (FIG. 3) is provided. This structure is generally similar to that of main roll support (42) already described.

[0041] It has an inner barrel (72) sized to make a tight friction fit on drum (48) and having an end wall (74) extending radially outward.

[0042] A tapered drum (76) extends rearwardly from end wall (74) and terminates in a flange ring (78). An inner detent (80) is formed on a flexible finger portion on the inside of barrel (72). Detent is (80) designed to snap into slot (52) on drum (42) and retain adapter (70) on main roll support (42).

[0043] Once adapter (70) is locked in position a roll can be push fitted onto tapered drum (76) for dispensing stretch wrap material from that roll. A finger (82) is provided in barrel (72) which extends through end wall (74) to enable the detent (80) and its finger to be flexed to released from slot (52) for removal of adapter (70).

[0044] In operation once the dispenser system, ie the dispenser and the selected roll of stretch wrap material, is assembled, (FIG. 4), the operator can grip the handle with one hand and can secure the free end of the stretch wrap material to the object to be wrapped. He then pulls on the dispenser and thus stretches the material, and winds it around the object. He continues maintaining tension in the stretch wrap material by pulling on the handle. The brake mechanism resist unwinding and thus enables the tension to be maintained. The brake friction can be adjusted to suit, by simply rotating adjustment knob.

[0045] The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is given here by way of example only. The invention is not to be taken as limited to any of the specific features as described, but comprehends all such variations thereof as come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A manual dispenser for stretch wrap material and comprising;

a dispenser body;

a handle on said dispenser body; and,

a roll carrier extending from said body for receiving a roll of stretch wrap material and being rotatable whereby to permit controlled unwinding of said stretch wrap material from said roll.

2. A manual dispenser for stretch wrap material as claimed in claim 1 and including a roll spindle fastened to said body and said roll carrier being rotatably mounted on said spindle.

3. A manual dispenser for stretch wrap material as claimed in claim 1 and in which there is an adjustable braking device for applying a retarding force to said roll carrier.

4. A manual dispenser for stretch wrap material as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the braking device extends through said spindle and into said body.

5. A manual dispenser for stretch wrap material as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the adjustment device is located on a free end of said braking device located within said body.

6. A manual dispenser for stretch wrap material as claimed in claim 1 and which can be attached to one end only of a roll, for single handed operation.

7. A manual dispenser for stretch wrap material as claimed in claim 1 and which may be applied to both ends of a roll for two handed dispensing.

8. A manual dispenser for stretch wrap material as claimed in claim 1 and which is adaptable to receive roll cores of varying diameter.

9. A manual dispenser for stretch wrap material as claimed in claim 1 and which has a roll support as described, for receiving a roll core of one diameter and which has a roll adapter which can be fitted on the roll support for receiving a roll core of a larger diameter

10 A manual stretch wrap material dispenser system comprising;

a roll of stretch wrap material having a core defining two ends;

a dispenser body;

a handle on said dispenser body; and,

a core holder extending from said body for receiving one end of said core of a roll of stretch wrap material and being rotatable whereby to permit controlled unwinding of said stretch wrap material from said roll, said core holder being attached to one end only of said core, for single handed operation.

11. A manual stretch wrap material dispenser system comprising;

a roll of stretch wrap material having a core defining two ends;

a dispenser body at each end of said core;

a handle on each said dispenser body; and,

a core holder extending from each said body for receiving a respective end of said core of a roll of stretch wrap material and being rotatable whereby to permit controlled unwinding of said stretch wrap material from said roll.